Female genital mutilation bill passes Minnesota House

A bill that adds to the criminalization of female genital mutilation in Minnesota passed the state House of Representatives Monday by a vote of 124-4.

Female genital mutilation is already illegal according to Minnesota law, but currently there are no repercussions for parents who subject their girls to the procedure.

The bill makes it a felony for a parent, guardian or person legally responsible for a child to knowingly allow children to undergo female genital mutilation. The bill would also require mandatory reporting of suspected female genital mutilation and make it justifiable for a child to be taken into protective custody.